Media Contact:
Kelly Thibert, D.O., M.P.H., National President
American Medical Student Association
Phone: (703) 665-4786
Email: [email protected]
Sterling, VA – December 1, 2016 – The American Medical Student Association (AMSA) is founded on a commitment to advocating for improved health care and ensuring access for all. AMSA members take an oath upon graduation, just as Rep. Tom Price (R-Ga.) likely did when he completed medical school. That oath upholds the principles of protecting, providing, and expanding access to care. So why do Rep. Price’s values stand in direct contradiction to it?
Medical education constantly reinforces the reality of our nation’s health care crisis—millions lack access to the basic human right of health care. As future physicians, we are trained to recognize and address barriers that prevent patients from receiving the care they need. We work within our communities to dismantle these obstacles. If we, as physicians-in-training, are expected to uphold the standard of ensuring quality, affordable care for all, shouldn’t our nation’s top health official be held to the same?
We reject Rep. Price’s record, which demonstrates opposition to essential women’s health services, continued discriminatory rhetoric and legislative actions against LGBTQ populations, and a failure to acknowledge the significance of mental health in our health care system. The integrity of medicine depends on ensuring that all patients have access to care.
We are the physicians of tomorrow. We stand for ethics, public health, diversity and inclusion, professionalism, and quality, affordable health care for all. Rep. Price’s values do not reflect the ethical and professional standards that define our field. Unlike the larger medical associations that claim to represent us, we do not support his nomination. His political record makes clear that his leadership would harm our patients. We urge other health and physician organizations to prioritize patients over profits. AMSA will continue to advocate for patient care above politics and fight for the rights and well-being of those we serve.
About AMSA
AMSA is the oldest and largest independent association of physicians-in-training in the United States. Established in 1950, AMSA is a student-led, non-profit organization dedicated to representing the concerns of future physicians. To learn more about AMSA, our strategic priorities, or how to get involved, visit http://amsa.org.
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